takahashi

Got the Colour Coded key from Mazda as a pre-order present

Went to the dealer to Code it. I saw them done on the spot...

HEY ... In fact... YOU DON"T NEED TO GO THERE! YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF!

Procedure to code key:

Require:
2 coded keys (not your service/valet key please)
1 Uncoded key (Your new key)
Your 8
Yourself with a working hand
Have you service/valet key ready. In case you F up

Steps:

1 - Put your 1st coded key. Turn on to standby mode/pre-ignition mode but not starting the engine. Wait for 4 seconds.

2 - Put your 2nd coded key. Turn on to standby mode/pre-ignition mode and wait for 4 seconds.

3 - Put your uncoded key in. Turn on to standby mode/pre-ignition mode and wait for 4 seconds.

4 - Test all the keys.

Should work. If you have F up the keys, use the service/valet key to drive up to the dealer.

Enjoy

P.S. Don't know what I am talking about still, the following thread may help

Omicron

Um, "service" key? What the heck is that? I got two "master" keys (black head) and one "valet" key (grey head). How do you ID a service key? Or is that just an Australian thing, perhaps?

Great info tho, thanks!!! Now I may just have to go get that cool JDM key with case... :D

my10ae

If that's all it takes, there is no way I'm giving my dealer the $38 for 2 minutes worth of work.

takahashi: Have you tried this and were you successful? Has anyone else tried this on a US-Spec 8?

RX-Nut

?!? Whoa..

1) What's a Service Key (I'm guessing the Valet key with the grey head)
2) What's standby mode?
3) Have you successfully performed this procedure?
4) Can any old key place cut the key?

Pretty please..

jtimbck2

I don't know the answers to the other 3 questions, but no, you can't just get a key cut anywhere. The keys have some kind of RFID chip in them that identifies them to the car. A key without that simply won't work.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

You have to buy the chipped key blanks from the dealer, but they usually can't cut them.....

Walmart is actually the BEST place to have the pattern cut - they use a foolproof 'cartridge' system. Ask them for a ($2) copy for your original, they use a set of identifying key-holes to find the right blank and the correct cartridge to cut it - then tell them you want to pay for the cut and blank, but to use YOUR new blank.

They sometimes squeal that they're not allowed/ no guarantee/ it won't work for chipped keys, etc. but it works GREAT, and fits like the factory stock. Worst case is you have to go to a different WallyMart to get it done!

S

Kev

I picked up the key, went down to a locksmith and got it cut - then went back and got them to code it. They didn't charge me anything and I watched ... seemed to be as Takahashi says.

takahashi

I can't answer the 4th one... I don't know how to order a key - has to be through Mazda Australia I guess

For the other questions:

RX - Nut

1. It is the grey Valet for you. (1 - normal key; 2 - colour coded key; 3- Service (Valet) key)

2. Standby mode (Pre-Ignitiion mode???), turn the key just before ignition (so the aircon will be on and can opearate the windows.)

3. I saw the dealer did it for myself... so I think it works. :D

Sorry about the confusion before

And yes my10ae... it is a rip of to charge you for that.

my10ae

So I guess I just need to get my new key cut and then I'll try to code the keys myself. If coding doesn't work, the valet key will work to get my butt down to the dealer?

takahashi

I guess it won't de code your car - only de code your key...
But it should not - should be save -

By the look of the "MENU" of my RX8 mechanic at the dearship. There is no explanation to what to do if you F that up - I guess they will just try again and send them to Mazda Central if they need to - good luck - just follow the procedure it will be fine

Omicron

Or maybe do it in the dealership parking lot, after you've got the key cut?

SnyderMazz

I deal with Mazda's on a daily basis, and I deal with cutting keys at least once a week. The Mazda immobilzer system is not an easy thing. Last week I had an MPV that took an hour and a half to program 2 keys because it didnt want to accept the keys.

Some RX-8s may be as easy as putting them in and turning the power on for a few seconds and repeating, BUT it depends on how many keys you are programming. Two things will happen if you screw up the Immobilzer System.

1. The vehicles computers will reset and you will be calling a tow truck to pick up your car and bring it to a dealership to have it reprogramed....out of your pocket.

2. The car will not start for a few hours and you will get stuck waiting on it.


I understand the frustration that the dealerships cause and yes it may seem like a rip off, but I know we personally use the Mazda WDS computer when we reprogram keys. RX8 keys cost $30 bucks a key and should take no longer that 1 hour to program. Yes, sometimes you can just stick the keys in and flip power on, but sometimes you cant. Before you do anything...CALL YOUR DEALERSHIP AND CHECK!!!!!! Just a recommendation.

Omicron

That's useful info... thanks for chiming in!

And, welcome to the Forum. How are RX-8s selling in YOUR neck of the woods?

SnyderMazz

I would say average....right now being the slow season we have more supply than demand, but it will change.

rodmeister

Don't understand why you have to insert two keys before codeing the third?

I bought my car in Las Vegas but live in Los Angeles. My dealer gave me two keys (no valet key - will be calling dealer). When I took delivery, the second key was not coded, and their service department was closed and I had to return to LA.

I planned to code the second key on my next visit to Las Vegas. Can I code the second key with your method, with only two keys? If so, I will park just outside of Santa Monica Mazda and try re-coding.

BTW when I asked my dealer, Courtesy Mazda of Las Vegas, about coding my key in Santa Monica, they said it would cost $100, but they would code mine free of charge since it was their oversight. Hmmm were they bullshitting me?

RX-Nut

Dang Snyder, thanks for taking the air outta the balloon!

Naw, good info.. thanks for the warning.

SnyderMazz

Rodmiester,

What you might be able to do, and keyword is MIGHT (I have to emphasize that strongly) is this....

Since it was an oversight from the dealership in Las Vegas, call them and them if they can arrange a payment with the dealership in Santa Monica. Basically, have them arrange a Purchase Order with the dealership for whatever it costs them to reprogram the key. I have dealt with circumstances like that myself where someone has purchased a car at another dealership and had parts ordered as apart of a New Car Deal. Instead of the customer driving 3 hours to the dealership where they purchased the vehicle they sent my dealership the parts with a purchase order and we did it. So, my thought is this....if the dealership in Las Vegas said they would do it for free, then they should be able to take care of something like that. It would save you time, gas, and long drive. Then again, I know how you RX-8 people are, whenever you get a chance to drive you do <grin>. Just an option that might save you some time.

takahashi

Of course doing it in the dealership is safer but I don't think they should charge for it.

Period

SnyderMazz

The vehicle should come with 3 programed keys from the start. Thats what comes with the car. Any additional keys, are extra. You have to buy the key and it takes time to reprogram them. Ive talked to my techs about the whole " do it yourself thing " and they all laugh and say, " Its not that simple " We charge $105 dollars for reprograming a key (that includes the key). If it takes a 1/2 hour to do it because the WDS decides it wants to work, then thats all we charge, but if it doesnt and it takes 3 hours, then we charge $105 regardless.

Welcome to the new world of the Immobilzer system. You can thank Ford for it, its thier system. Ford dabbled thier fingers in that car. Its not 100% Mazda. Ford owns Mazda of America -- MPV is the Windstar, the 3 is the Focus/Escort, the Tribute is the Escape.

What you can do is this. I did this last week with an MPV. If you need a spare key in case you lock your keys in the car, you can go to Walmart and have them cut you a regular key to use in JUST THE DOORS! The immobilzer is just in the ignition.

It boils down to, we need to make a living to. 9 times out of 10 we put all of an hour into reprogramings. We also do Mazda Full Circle Inspections at no charge.

RX-Nut

Weird, I asked my dealer and they dont know if they can do the programming. Is this something all Mazda dealers should be able to do?

takahashi

They should have a photocopy of the RX 8 menu

SnyderMazz

Any dealership that sells RX-8s should be able to reprogram the keys.

The Mazda WDS system is something that the 6's, 3's, MPV's, and Tributes need to perfrom " Freeze Frame " date when doing warranty work (mainly with EGR systems, Cats, etc). All Mazda dealerships should have the WDS, but they might not have the updates.

The Mazda Dealer website, whic has access to all of the bulletins, tech tips, recalls, warranty information, training classes, and Mazda Customer Index - you can find out from there and if not there through the hotline.

I cant stress enough that the dealership you go through does have all this. If your dealership is primarily a Hyundai or Kia dealer and Mazda is just a " sideline " car. There is a chance they are behind on the updates and such. My dealership was one of the frist dealerships to get 8's because we are a primary Mazda dealer and have the highest amount of sales. But a small dealership in the middle of Kansas might have just gotten their first 8 last week, because they arent a big seller.

So, yes they should have the cabilbilties to reprogram the keys, but there may be a reason why they are unsure (ie updates for the WDS). I say schedule an appointment and see how it goes.

Us dealerships are still playing catch up with the -8's. Its a learning curve. I know thats now what you guys want to hear, but its the truth. We are trained on the cars, but we dont " understand " the car. Ask any Mazda Service Writer or Mazda Certified Techincian and he can tell you that 96-01 626 4 cylinder automatics are prone to transmission failure and we know that the RX7 (esp 3rd Gen's) are prone to excessive flooding, broken door handles, and turbo oil leaks. So, Im not surprised if a dealership doesnt know if they can reprogram a key, they probably havent done one. They will though, trust me.

So, just call and set up an appointment and play it from there. If they cant do it, then find another dealership who can.

PS - I dont mean to sound like Im preaching lol Im just trying to give you some insight into our world with the car when it comes to maintance and the 8's

RX-Nut

How about cutting the key, does it require special cutting, or can we take it to Walmart (hehe) as suggested?

Jus making sure.. dont want my engine to explode cuz I cut the key wrong.. heehee

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

Mr. Takahashi, it is official - you da MAN!

Bought the chipped key from Mazda, took it to WallyMart to get it cut, then put the keys in, 1/2/3 DONE!

It needs both keys to recognize the code from the third one.

It didn't like it the first time round, the 'key in the car' warning light was flashing fast, but the second time I did it, I just turned on till the flashing stopped then tried the next key, and then the new one, and bingo! Started with the new key!

Thanks again Taki!

S

wakeech

and with "The Creator of Stealth-Pounds of torque"'s (yes, that's his official title) approval, this thread becomes a sticky :D

just yankin' yer chain Ray